Published9. December 2024, 09:19
franceA director tried to sexually assault Adèle Haenel
Christophe Ruggia is accused of putting the actor, who was then a minor, through a horrible and humiliating shoot, then of abusing him.
Five years after the revelation that solved France’s #Metoo and shook the world of cinema, the actress Adèle Haenel will face the director Christophe Ruggia at the paris criminal court, where he will be tried on Monday and Tuesday for sexual assault on a minor.
Christophe Ruggia, 59, who contested the allegations, and Adèle Haenel, 35, will be present at the opening of the hearing at the beginning of the evening, their respective lawyers said. Feminist associations called for a rally outside at noon.
The Justice tackled this matter in 2019, after an investigation by the investigative site mediapart on the facts announced by the actor, who has since quit the film. Adèle Haenel was 11 years old when she was cast in the film “Les diables” with Christophe Ruggia and 12 years old during the filming in the summer of 2001.
The feature film, excerpts of which should be shown at the trial, tells of the constant restraint of an autistic brother and sister, who were abandoned at birth. A story that becomes incestuous, with several sex scenes between the children and close-ups of Adèle Haenel’s naked body.
The investigators investigated, the actress performed these sequences that made her ”very uncomfortable”, others “violent” like the one where she had to dance in front of a prison to cry “naked!” real prisoners And the “bubble” in which the director gradually “isolated” her on the set, asking her family not to come so as not to distract her.
Manny professionals described their “discomfort” with the working conditions imposed on children, and especially with the behavior of Christophe Ruggia on the set.”Invasive”,”displaced”,”his hand on the thigh” of the young actress,”things in the neck”,she “sitting on his knees”. “It’s not okay, it looks like a couple, it’s not normal,” a screenwriter told herself.
After filming, between 2001 and 2004, the teenager went “every Saturday” evening or almost to the man who told her he “created” her.
The attacks she denies always happened in the same way: he sat on an armchair, she on the sofa and “very quickly” he found an excuse to get closer. He starts caressing her thighs, goes up “as if nothing”, then touches her sex or chest. “He was breathing hard” and “kissing my neck,” she says. And if she refused, “he responded with shock and this air of ‘no, but what are you going to believe?’, even though he had his hand in my panties.”
During the investigation, Christophe Ruggia will deny everything. The attacks, the declarations of love, the control. He will discuss the ”sensuality” of the 12-year-old actor during filming. The “reasons” that Adèle Haenel took on her couch, her “tongue” movements, “even a porn film”, which made him uncomfortable or even “disgraceful”.
He will struggle to explain what they have been doing for several hours, every Saturday evening. he will remember giving her a “snack” before taking her back to her parents. And he will “revenge” the accusations because he would ultimately not put him back to work.
Prevent others
Adèle Haenel said that she decided to speak publicly when she learned that Christophe Ruggia was preparing a new film with teenagers. But she had told or mentioned these attacks years earlier to those around her personally and professionally, who expressed her discomfort and anxiety attacks.
She who left her mark on the public in “Breith na hOctopuses”, “120 beats Per minute” and, above all, in “Portrait of the Young Girl on Fire” won two Césars, that is the best actress, in “Les Combattants” , and the supporting role, in “Suzanne”.
Behind the cinema
She has as officially retired from the cinema, ending a career that was turned upside down on the evening of Caesars 2020, when she left the ceremony with a bang to deny the coronation of Roman Polanski, accused of sexual assault and rape by some women.
Christophe Ruggia, who is on trial for a sexual assault made worse by the minority of the victim and his position of authority, is facing up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 150,000 euros.
(afp)
What steps can the film industry take to improve safety for young actors and prevent sexual misconduct?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Sexual Assault in the Film Industry
Time.news Editor: Welcome to our special segment today. We have with us Dr. Sophie Moreau, a renowned expert on sexual misconduct in the film industry.Dr. Moreau, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sophie Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic,especially in light of the recent developments regarding Adèle Haenel and Christoph Ruggia.
Editor: Absolutely. As many may know, Adèle haenel, now 35, is confronting her past as she faces off in court against Christoph Ruggia, who is accused of sexually assaulting her when she was just a minor during the filming of “Les diables.” Can you share how notable this case is for the industry?
Dr. Moreau: This case is a watershed moment for French cinema and really underscores the reckoning that has been occurring globally since the #MeToo movement began. The idea that a director could exploit a child and that it remained unaddressed for so long is alarming. Haenel’s bravery in coming forward has not only sparked a conversation about accountability in the industry but also highlights the broader systemic issues regarding power dynamics in film.
Editor: In your opinion, why did it take so long for such allegations to be brought to light?
Dr. Moreau: Historically, the film industry has operated within a deeply ingrained culture of silence and complicity. Many artists,especially young women,often fear the repercussions of speaking out—fear of losing their careers or being ostracized. The case of Haenel is particularly poignant as it emphasizes that this silence is not only harmful but also dangerous, allowing perpetrators to remain shielded by their status.
Editor: The article mentions that Ruggia contested the allegations, claiming innocence.How does this “denial” impact the victims and the industry at large?
Dr. Moreau: When allegations are contested, it can create significant psychological distress for victims. It can also dissuade other survivors from coming forward if thay see that the chances of being believed or supported are minimal. The defense strategies of many accused individuals often include gaslighting victims or shifting blame, which perpetuates a cycle of trauma and silence around thes critical issues.
Editor: You mention this as part of a broader conversation. What measures do you think the film industry should implement moving forward to protect individuals, especially minors?
Dr. Moreau: There are several actions that can be taken. First, implementing strict protocols for working with minors on set is essential. This includes mandatory background checks, employing advocates or social workers, and creating an surroundings where individuals feel safe speaking up.Additionally, the industry should foster a culture of ongoing education about consent and appropriate conduct, along with clear reporting mechanisms for misconduct.
Editor: The feminists’ rally outside the court is another significant aspect, isn’t it? What does this say about public sentiment surrounding this case?
Dr. Moreau: The rally outside the courthouse symbolizes solidarity not just with Haenel but with all survivors. it reflects a growing awareness and activism against systemic abuse in the film industry. Public sentiment is shifting towards demanding accountability and change. This is a crucial moment where the public is not willing to remain passive observers but are actively advocating for justice.
Editor: Lastly, given the societal changes we are witnessing, what impact do you foresee this case having on the film industry as a whole?
Dr. Moreau: I believe this case could lead to a paradigm shift in how the industry operates. It may encourage more survivors to come forward, leading to a clearer path for reform. As we see more accountability, there’s potential for a healthier environment in the arts, where creativity can flourish without the shadow of fear and abuse.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights on this extremely critically important issue. It’s critical that conversations like this continue, and we look forward to seeing how this case unfolds.
Dr. Moreau: Thank you for having me.It’s essential that we keep discussing and advocating for a safer and more equitable industry.